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Tragic, beautiful song. A simple song about a man reminiscing about his first love's tragic and untimely death, while simultaneously trying to find peace within himself, understand why she died, and honor her memory.

Electric doesn't necessarily mean distorted. It could be an electric banjo, it could be an A/E guitar... the microphones were probably powered by phantom electricity. But you're right, I don't hear any traditional electric instruments noticeable in the mix.

"mixed acoustic and electric instrumentation" is not quite right. There is a little bit of old school electric church organ, but other than that it's all acoustic and horns. No electric guitar or bass, or drum machine or noticeable "electric" sound.

i adore this song. sufjan stevens is so very talented and i agree, he does present powerful emotion that not many artists these days can capture.

7 years ago

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themonkeycage

Sufjan Stevens is so gifted with the ability to present powerful emotion in a simple (and beautiful) way; this song is a testament to his skill as a songwriter. This one's probably hard for a Christian to sing, and to hear; it tells a story that shakes the teller's faith. The simple melody belies the complex emotions at the center.